[Definitive] Nintendo Wii Thread

[Ryan V]

Japan's Biggest Developers Comment on 2006

Find out what Hideo Kojima, Tetsuya Nomura, Yu Suzuki and others have planned.

by Anoop Gantayat

December 28, 2005 - Just in time for the end of 2005 and the start of 2006, the biggest players in the Japanese game market have shared with Japanese publication Dorimaga their thoughts on the year that was and the years that are to come. Included are some revealing bits about future projects, choices for the best of 2005 and even a self evaluation score! Let's take a look.

Ken Toyoda -- Nintendo Publicity

Toyoda gives himself 90 out of 100 for the year. He doesn't reveal any new details on Revolution, but does promise that Nintendo will put full effort in pleasing not just non-gamers, but traditional gamers as well. The game that left the greatest impression with Toyoda was Nintendogs. The event or happening that left the greatest impression with him was the demand Nintendo had from older audiences.

Yoshinori Yamagishi -- Square Enix Producer

Yamagishi gives himself a 70 out of 100, citing the successful release of Radiata Stories and the announcement of Valkyrie Profile. He promises to stick with the release dates for the two new Valkyrie games, and adds that Valkyrie Profile 2 will support progressive output in order to show just how good the current generation can look even with all the next generation systems coming out. For the next generation, he's excited about the PS3 based on the specs, although he states that it's difficult to clearly see the future for any of the next generation hardware at this point. He expresses the wish that Microsoft had slowed things down a bit between the announcement of the Xbox 360 and its release. The game that left the greatest impression with Yamagishi was Killer 7, although he also liked Resident Evil 4. GameCube was his most played system for 2005. The event or happening that left the greatest impression with him was the Square Enix Party.

Yoshiki Sugiyama -- Koei, Dynasty Warriors Producer

Sugiyama gives himself 80 out of 100 because even though he believes that he worked hard, there's always something remaining that he cannot quite accept. When asked about the Revolution, PS3 and Xbox 360, he states that Koei will be fully supporting all platforms, although he adds that he hopes to make Revolution games. The game that left the greatest impression with Sugiyama was Nintendo's Train Your Brain (Nou wo Kitaeru). The event or happening that left the greatest impression with him was Nintendo's Touch Generations, a lineup of titles that appeal to a new user group (the lineup includes Train Your Brain, Nintendogs and other successes).

Hideo Kojima -- Konami, Metal Gear Solid Producer

Kojima gives himself a low 35 out of 100 for the year because he didn't release anything new. He wanted to leave Metal Gear Solid 4 to his staff so that he could start up a new game, but was unable to do this. Regarding next generation development -- specifically Metal Gear Solid 4 -- he jokes that Konami had already started work on Xbox 360 games back when Metal Gear Solid 3 finished completion, and it's somewhat annoying to have to play catch up. He doesn't seem too keen on the idea of multiplatform development, stating that he believes it important for game designers to concentrate exclusively on a single platform so that they can bring out the platform's special features and better target its audience. He does admit to wanting to make games for all three next generation platforms, though, giving the nod in particular to Revolution as a platform that, as a designer, it would be "foolish" for him to pass up on. With Revolution, he adds, he'd like to make strives in areas other than graphics and sound, a change for him, as he believes he's known as someone who pursues realistic visuals owing to his love of movies. Revolution isn't the platform he most wants to support, though. That honor goes to the PC, although he admits that his staff doesn't take so kindly to this position. The games that left the greatest impression with Kojima were Shadow of the Colossus and God of War, both of which he praises for having well defined themes, game settings and world views. The event or happening that left the greatest impression with him was the reorganization of Konami which left Kojima Productions a subsidiary.

Akihiro Hino -- Level 5, CEO

Hino rates himself 90 out of 100 for 2005, with the 10 points taken off for the amount of trouble he believes he caused people related to the Rogue Galaxy project due to the tough schedule. He jokes that if he'd been able to follow the original plan for the game precisely, Rogue Galaxy would've gotten a perfect score in all the magazines. Asked about next generation systems, he says that when considering the type of software that he makes, he'd put more weight behind the PlayStation 3, although this doesn't mean that he's uninterested in the other hardware. Regarding a True Fantasy Live Online revival, while stating that he has nothing to say at this point, he notes that fans are still supporting the game and the game industry is still giving it attention. He also adds that his staff has a good amount of interest in working on the project, so "there's still some possibility." However, it's possible that a resulting game wouldn't be TFLO exactly as is, but something that inherits the soul of that lost Xbox title. For 2006, he promises to continue making new stuff, adding that Level 5 will not just announce something new, but may actually release something new as well. Included in the games that Level 5 is planning to work on in 2006 is a non-RPG title, he reveals. The year 2005 game that left the greatest impression with Hino was Shadow of the Colossus. The event or happening that left the greatest impression with him was the reorganization of the industry (mergers, buy-outs, etc.).

Yu Suzuki -- Sega AM Plus Manager

Suzuki gives himself a 60 for the year. Asked about the PS3, Revolution and Xbox 360, he refers to Xbox 360 as being PC-like, Revolution as being toy-like and PS3 as being like a super home appliance. As a programmer, he states that he's most interested in whatever has the most horse power, even if it means the system is difficult to handle (he breaks off into one of those car analogies people like to use when describing system power -- we'll spare you the details). He closes off by stating that if the PS3, like the PS2, allows developers to gradually harness its power, he's interested in it. With work on Psy-Phi complete, Suzuki says that he's now started researching massively multiplayer Online RPG development (this includes Shenmue Online). He believes the possibilities for the genre will grow considerably in the future, noting that the vigor of the current Korean and Chinese game markets remind him of the Japanese game market years ago. The game that left the greatest impression with Suzuki was Nintendogs (he played it himself), adding that he was impressed overall with the Nintendo DS lineup. The event or happening that left the greatest impression with him was the start of projects from a number of major, independent developers like Hironobu Sakaguchi.

Hiroi Ouji -- Red Company President

The creator of the Sakura Wars and Tengai Makyo series gives himself 70 out of 100 for the year. When asked about PS3, Xbox 360 and Revolution, he goes on and on about how interested he is in the Nintendo hardware -- specifically, the controller. For 2006, he states that he'd like to create a new manuscript (something that will possibly later become a game or anime -- Ouji is known for much more than just his games). He was most impressed by Shadow of the Colossus this year.

So there you have it! Lots of vague hints at upcoming plans, and lots of praise for Shadow of the Colossus. Once 2006 hits, we can probably expect solid details on the games now getting the attention of these developers to slowly start leaking out, leading to a full flood come E3. Until then...

Source: http://revolution.ign.com/articles/678/678281p1.html

[Steffan]

I think Nintendo could get away with just Nintendo games at launch if one of them is a Mario game like the N64 launch with Mario64 and PilotWings64. Mario 128 and Pilotwings Revolution would be awesome. Also EA filler games are not welcome!

I thought Mario 128 was suppose to come out for GC

[The Teej]

I thought Mario 128 was suppose to come out for GC

You answered your own question.

Was.

[kernatch]

he wasn't necessarily asking a question, tehehe

[Joel]

Miyamoto has said time and again Mario 128 was just a testbed project. I really don't expect anything with that name to be released ever.

[savedandfamous]

Metroid 3 Mockup Art

[firebud]

A May release would be sweet, but I hope it wouldn't be too close to finals.

I have enough distractions as it is, let alone Nintendo releasing the Revo, too. :p

[Erich]

The sooner the better... Then I can spend less time in neowin talking about it and more time playing it.

[fukachu]

as i'll buy my console here in australia i just hope there isn't regions on it and i can play games in Japan when i move there in 2007.. as soon as i know the situation with regions etc then i know wether i can buy b4 i go to japan or after. would suck to have to import all my games. im not worried that the ones in japan will be in Japanese.

[Laughing-Man]

So Europe may not get the shaft and actually get a console in the year it is released? Inconceivable!

Europe's Ready For Revolution: Nintendo sends out a postcard to gear people up.

Edited January 3, 2006 by jmole

[Mystical112]

^ oooooo i really am hoping for a may release...

[NeoNut]

Looks like somebody is trying to copy the Revolution features, even the rumors. :o

DualFX Controller. The world's first L-Type Controller. This controller has a Laser Guidance Navigation System and a pair of Game Grips combining precision with comfortable game play. The gamers weapon of choice for first person shooter games. The DualFX also includes a complete button set and supports all games.

http://www.cesweb.org/press/new_products/r...asp?prodid=7491

EyeFX 3D Adapter. (PS2) The world's first and only TRUE STEREOSCOPIC 3D adapter for the Sony Playstation 2. The theme park quality 3D allows the action to come right off the screen while producing depth across the complete field of view. Increased targeting ability and unparalleled navigation are a direct result of 3D game play. Works with all off-the-shelf 3D compliant games. Example: Ace Combat, TimeSplitters, DropShip, Bountry Humter, Lara Croft, James Bond . . . . and more.

http://www.cesweb.org/press/new_products/r...asp?prodid=5680

[nav1]

So Europe may not get the shaft and actually get a console in the year it is released? Inconceivable!

Europe's Ready For Revolution: Nintendo sends out a postcard to gear people up.

LOL, they mispelled the spanish phrase.

[mikehc]

LOL, they mispelled the spanish phrase.

I think is french. See the other images.

[Laughing-Man]

*Edit, nevermind I started a new post.

Edited January 4, 2006 by jmole

[razzar]

New Revolution graphic prieviews have been released. Note: These screenshots are NOT from the revolution but from the exact same graphics proccessor that it uses, this means that the images the console can produce will be (in theory) identical to these.

ps. screenshots are slightly blurry.

[kernatch]

dude, source?

[Ryan V]

Revolution Price Revealed...Kind of

Iwata confirms price to be less than Xbox 360 core system.

by Wade Steel

January 4, 2006 - Nintendo President Satoru Iwata has all but confirmed that the Nintendo Revolution will be the least costly of the three competing next-generation game systems by stating that the console will retail for less than the Xbox 360 core system which currently retails for $299 in the United States.

By revealing this information in an interview with Yahoo! Japan, Iwata fulfilled the expectations of many industry analysts who believe that the Revolution's focus on its innnovative control system rather than cutting-edge graphics and processing power would lead to a lower price point than its Sony and Microsoft competitors.

We will certainly be paying close attention to this interesting development in the Revolution's evolution.

Source: http://revolution.ign.com/articles/678/678733p1.html

[stadsport]

New Revolution graphic prieviews have been released. Note: These screenshots are NOT from the revolution but from the exact same graphics proccessor that it uses, this means that the images the console can produce will be (in theory) identical to these.

ps. screenshots are slightly blurry.

Fake until it comes from a reliable source.

[The Teej]

New Revolution graphic prieviews have been released. Note: These screenshots are NOT from the revolution but from the exact same graphics proccessor that it uses, this means that the images the console can produce will be (in theory) identical to these.

ps. screenshots are slightly blurry.

They couldn't possibly pull off that kind of quality at 480p...could they?

[Danrarbc]

The graphics processor hasn't been revealed, heck I don't even think it's finalized quite yet. I heavily doubt that picture is from the Rev's graphics chip. That said, I can definately see it doing at least as well as that - then again that detail level on the grass is overkill at 480p, there aren't enough pixels to display it.

[Ryan V]

VR Tech. In Nintendo Revolution...

A VR Revolution?

3D Visor hits CES. Nintendo shows interest.

by Mark Bozon

January 4, 2006 - Info begins to roll in from CES and while the show has only begun, interesting news is already breaking. A technologies company called eMagin has already shown off a sweet piece of hardware for gamers everywhere known as the Z800 3D Visor. The visor, which basically looks like a pair of sunglasses with a hint of Virtual Boy, can be used to watch a video signal in stereo much like Nintendo's previous VR system.

Technology like this has already hit arcades via the Beachhead franchise, and while this is still very new to the market (available since last July) Nintendo has already shown interest, purchasing numerous units directly from eMagin. Does this mean Revolution will be VR? Will Nintendo send us into the new age of gaming with full 3D worlds that can be explored by the turn of a head? That remains to be seen. While the specs do support most PC machines and could be used for console control in the future it is a long shot to assume Nintendo is integrating this into Revolution based on these facts alone. eMagine's own Bruce Ridley has hinted at console support, however, stating that the company is talking to all major console marketers about the headset.

More news as it develops.

Source: http://revolution.ign.com/articles/678/678757p1.html

[Erich]

They couldn't possibly pull off that kind of quality at 480p...could they?

It looks like a Twilight Princess Screen Shot...

The image is blurry and the image is at 756 lines. It could be presumed that the picture was enlarged then resampled making it blurry. OR another possibility is this a Twilight Princess screenshot being played with the gamecube through a component cable. In the end, it doesn't really matter - because if it's not Zelda:TP it looks just like it and yes, the graphics can look atleast that good... hell the only thing that screenshot has on Resident Evil 4 is that the trees etc. look more dense.

[The Teej]

...

That's definately not TP. And those graphics own Resident Evil 4.

[Pc_Madness]

New Revolution graphic prieviews have been released. Note: These screenshots are NOT from the revolution but from the exact same graphics proccessor that it uses, this means that the images the console can produce will be (in theory) identical to these.

ps. screenshots are slightly blurry.

Err, dude, wth? Those pictures are from Digital Blasphemy. http://www.digitalblasphemy.com/

Those are done on PC, so I don't see how you can say there done on same 'graphic proccesor'. :\